Learn More
Why SSM @ UMN?
Students learn how people, planet, products, and profits interact in sustainable (and not-so-sustainable) ways, acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to act on these systems, and apply the frameworks and methods to measure and manage the sustainability performance of business and industrial systems.
- Energy, building, product and management systems are complex, interconnected, and dynamic. Making sure that these systems create net-positive impacts for people and the planet requires new thinking, new solutions, and a new generation of leaders to get us there.
- The U of M’s SSM program is the perfect place for students who want to see the big picture, understand the range of systems in play, and apply science, technology, and management strategies to create a more sustainable future.
- SSM graduates are finding lucrative employment opportunities in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) roles helping companies align with stakeholder values and societal/environmental challenges, the fast-growing renewable energy sector, and environmental and energy efficiency consultancies and service providers.
- Our alumni are environmental consultants, sustainability program managers, renewable energy project developers, project managers, and building science consultants at companies like 3M, Cargill, Target, Meta and Minnesota Pollution Control agency, as well as consultancies across the country.
- SSM graduates have a 94% job placement rate within one year of graduation.
- The estimated starting salary range for our graduates is $46,500-$80,000.
What is SSM?
Sustainable Systems Management (SSM) develops innovative leaders to help solve complex environmental, social, and economic problems such as mobility, shelter, water, food, and communication, in more sustainable ways. Undergraduates apply core competencies in systems thinking, life cycle assessment, industrial symbiosis, and circularity to one of four specializations within the SSM major:
Sustainable Products Business Management: Develop, and bring to market products that are renewable, circular, regenerative, and safe over their whole life cycle, from cradle to grave.
Corporate Sustainability Systems: Build and implement new and evolving organizational strategies and operations that create long-term stakeholder value through the improvement of environmental protection, social justice and equity, and economic development.
Building Science and Technology: Advance sustainable and systemic solutions to enhance the energy, material efficiency, and health performance of houses and building systems.
Energy Systems: Accelerate the sustainable energy transition to smart, renewable electricity and fuel systems.
Close-knit community
Students can expect smaller classes with more one-on-one interaction from teaching faculty. The SSM faculty and major courses are located on the St. Paul campus, providing students with a small town feel in the Twin Cities.